Perspectives and Current Debates in Ethology

Abstract

The study of animal behavior, including behavioral evolution, ecology, and mechanisms, has long included scholarly contributions of critical reviews and vigorous debates. Some consider the field to have been plagued by fine-combed analyses of recent milestones and missteps, and disagreements over definitions and terminology, while others see the clarification of progress in data and concepts (and misconceptions) essential for the advancement of our field. Many of us may have started or punctuated our writing careers by composing a response or critical reanalysis of a recently published article, even as early as graduate students and often before our own research has yielded sufficient datasets for publications. This is healthy and indicative of a scientific field where clear thinking and logical arguments can be as highly valued as expensive technology and advanced age. It is in this spirit of academic democracy that we invite contributions to two new sections of Ethology; Perspectives and Current Debates. The Perspectives section will include articles whose aim is to look backward by surveying an ethological topic, theme, concept, or phenomenon, including a critical overview of its major milestones, clear impacts on related fields, and the potential for changing future avenues in the course of the study of behavioral biology. Colleagues are welcome to submit unsolicited contributions directly to the editorial office, including high quality and generally accessible formal topical reviews from keynote lectures, round table discussions, symposia, and introductory thesis chapters. Alternatively, potential authors may make initial contact with the Perspectives and Current Debates editor in Ethology to propose and discuss a topic prior to the manuscript preparation and submission to full peer-review. Thus, the aim of the Perspectives section is to provide a home and forum for behavior-focused reviews, analyses, and opinions; we are looking for articles that will be informative, valuable, and useful for the researchers at any stage of their scientific careers. Each year, this section will also publish the text of the ‘Tembrock Lecture’, a newly instituted series in honor of Gunter Tembrock who taught for 69 years continuously about animal behavior at Berlin’s Humboldt University (Wessel 2011); the first Tembrock Lecture was given by Sir Patrick Bateson in 2011 on ‘Behavioural biology: the past and the future’. In turn, the Current Debates section will embrace the argumentative nature and skills of behavioral biologists and aim to push the field forward by inviting opposing, controversial viewpoints and counterintuitive but testable arguments. The goal is to provide room for positive and constructive exchange of ideas about theoretical, conceptual, methodological, quantitative-statistical, or technological advances and shortcomings that may or may not have contributed to perceived or real advances in behavioral biology. Rather than focusing on single articles and their critiques, potential authors are asked to nominate and discuss a theme with the Perspectives and Current Debates editor, including nominating a colleague to generate a reaction piece. Following an exchange of manuscript drafts and external referee comments, these debates will then be published to provide a written record of each side’s arguments and a reference against which to judge future progress. We consider these new sections of Ethology to be an important service, opportunity, and source of both inspiration and collaboration, and invite you to contribute your ideas promptly.